WHILE WE HAVE PROVIDED A CONDENSED SET OF THE LAWS OF PESACH,

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO VISIT THE FOLLOWING SUGGESTED WEBSITES

FOR A MORE INCLUSIVE AND ALL ENCOMPASSING LIST OF THE LAWS.
http://www.crcweb.org/Passover/5780/Pesach_Guide_5780.pdf
www.oukosher.org/passover
http://www.star-k.org/cons-pesach.htm
I. ABOUT CHAMETZ
The Prohibition
The prohibition against Chametz on Pesach is founded in the Torah. It commands every Jew: a.)
not to eat or drink it, b.) not to own it, c.) not to possess it in their domain. The prohibition applies
to even the slightest amount of Chametz because of the harshness of the penalty prescribed by
the Torah - excision. Because Chametz is permissible after Pesach - there can be no nullification
during Pesach.
The Rabbinic prohibition extends to the use even after Pesach of Chametz which belonged to a Jew during Pesach. For this reason,
Jewish owned food stores which do not sell their Chametz before Pesach should not be patronized for approximately a month
after the holiday so that no Chametz product which belonged to them during Pesach would be consumed afterwards. The
Synagogue will have a list of approved food stores for after Pesach.
What Is Chametz?
Chametz is a general term for all leavened foods forbidden on Passover. Foods and drinks made from wheat, oats, rye, spelt, barley,
and derivatives of same are subject to the laws of Chametz. (Rye, whiskey, beer and vinegar are just a few examples of derivative foods
that are Chametz.) The prohibition includes, as well, the taste of Chametz absorbed in food, utensils, or dishes. The slightest trace
of Chametz can convert the entire product into Chametz.
Kitniyot - Prohibition Against Beans
Kitniyot describe a class of foods that include beans, lentils, peas and other ‘grain-like’ products (such as rice, millet, and corn). They
are not Chametz, however, all Ashkenazi Jews and some groups of Sephardic Jews continue the centuries’ old practice of refraining
from eating these foods on Pesach. One reason for this widespread prohibition was the common practice of making bread-like
products from these foods, leading to confusion as to which breads were permissible and resulting in eating actual Chametz on
Pesach. Other than these foods, all fresh vegetables may be used on Pesach.
Medicine
Many drugs and medicines contain Chametz, (derivatives of the five prohibited on Pesach). If you use medicine or vitamins, please
consult Rabbi Efrem Goldberg or Rabbi Philip Moskowitz to find out if they can be used on the Passover. Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
and Rabbi Philip Moskowitz have an updated list of all these products. If medicines are being taken due to serious health related
conditions, one should continue to take them even if they are Chametz. However, one should take care not to allow these medicines
to come into contact with Pesach dishes or utensils. Sephardim refrain from taking medications or vitamins that contain Chametz
only if these medications or vitamins have a flavor. Unflavored medications or vitamins that are swallowed (such as most pills) are
permissible to take on Pesach if they are necessary for a person to function normally. If medicines are being taken due to serious
health related conditions, one should continue to take them even if they are Chametz.
Cosmetics And Toiletries
• All varieties of blush, body soap, creams and eye shadow, eyeliner, face powder, lotions, mascara, nail polish, ointments, paint,
shampoo and stick deodorant are permitted for use on Pesach regardless of the ingredients contained within them.
• Many liquid deodorants, colognes, aftershaves, perfumes and hair sprays contain denatured alcohol, and therefore should not be
used on Pesach unless they are listed as Chametz-free on a reliable list of approved Pesach products.
II. MECHIRAT CHAMETZ - SELLING THE CHAMETZ
As stated, it is prohibited to possess Chametz on Passover and from such Chametz one is not allowed to derive any benefit. Also,
Chametz which was in the possession of a Jew on Passover may not be used even after the Holiday. Therefore, any Chametz which
cannot be consumed or disposed of before Passover, must be sold to a non-Jew.
Pure Chametz, such as bread or cereal should preferably be disposed of before Pesach. All other products and Chametz utensils
should be stored in a closet or other cabinet and locked or sealed off with tape. The Rabbi should be told the place where the Chametz
is closeted and the approximate value of the goods so that a valid sale to the non-Jew may be affected.

While not ideal, given the need for social distancing, please sell your chametz online at
www.brsonline.org/form/chametz2020.
If you need assistance, do not hesitate to call the shul office at 561.394.0394.
 NO CHAMETZ WILL BE BOUGHT AFTER WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 AT 10:00 AM
When selling the Chametz, one must inform the Rabbi if he/she will be celebrating any part of Passover in a different time zone than
where it is being sold.

III. PREPARING THE HOME

A. Introduction
A thorough house cleaning is undertaken in preparation for the Passover holiday. Areas that will not be needed during Pesach may
be sealed, taped up and closed and need not be cleaned. Sephardim who eat kitniyot may clean bottles used for kitniyot formula in
their kitchen sinks.
In addition to the entire house, the following places should be free from Chametz: Office, cars, pockets of clothing (especially
children’s), pocket books, etc.
Baby formula is kitniyot and may be used; however, new bottles should be purchased. Bottles should be cleaned in an area in which
it does not come in contact with Pesach utensils (i.e. in a separate sink or in one of the bathrooms). Sephardim who eat kitniyot may
clean bottles used for kitniyot formula in their kitchen sinks.

Vacuum-cleaner bags should be discarded or cleaned and stored with Chametz.

Pet foods usually contain Chametz. The office has a list of cat and dog foods which do not contain Chametz.

IV. PREPARING THE KITCHEN FOR PESACH

Chametz dishes and kitchen utensils must be washed and cleaned and stored away in such a manner that they cannot accidentally
be used on Passover. Tables, cupboards and closet shelves, cabinets, sink, walls, stove, etc. must be scoured and washed. All surfaces
used for Chametz dishes and food throughout the year must be covered for Pesach. The Stove or Oven:

Range Tops
• Gas - Clean the whole top (spiders, cups, slide-out trays). Wait 24 hours. Then invert the spiders and leave them on the highest
setting for one hour. After this is done, one should cover the range top with aluminum foil.
• Electric - Follow the above procedure except that the electric burners should be set on the highest setting. Wait until they are
glowing red and leave on for an additional fifteen minutes. Cover the entire range top with aluminum foil. Care should be taken
to only kasher one burner at a time. For many range tops, covering with aluminum foil is not possible. We will be discussing
this in more detail at the Passover Workshop given by Rabbi Efrem Goldberg.
• Glass Top Range - Clean the glass thoroughly. Pour boiling water over the surface of the glass. Leave the burners on high for 20
minutes, two at a time. Be careful not to place pots, spoons, etc. on the glass top over Pesach. Sephardim should clean the glass
thoroughly and then may use the range normally without any additional concerns.

Ovens
• Gas (even continuous cleaning) - Clean the oven, and its shelves thoroughly with oven cleaner. Do not use
for 24 hours. Next, turn the oven up to broil for an hour and a half. If you want to use the broiler, purchase
a disposable broiler tray. The regular broiler tray should be placed with the Chametz utensils.
• Self-Cleaning - Go through one full cleaning cycle. (At least three hours)
• Microwave - Remove the glass tray. Clean the microwave and let it sit for 24 hours. Put a vessel with water
into the microwave and allow the water to vaporize into steam. The duration should be the longest time
you have used your microwave. The glass tray should be placed with the Chametz utensils.
• Convection - Remove the metal plate in front of the fan - clean that area. Make sure the oven and racks
are spotless and then turn oven on high for an hour and a half.
• The simplest way to kasher a warming drawer is to thorougly clean and not use it for 24 hours. Heat the warming drawer to
the required temperature by lighting a sterno can in the warming drawer for about 2 hours. Make sure to leave the door of the
warming drawer slightly ajar, so that there will be enough air to allow for combustion.

Keurig Machines
A Keurig machine may be kashered for Pesach. First, remove the K-cup holder, clean it very well and do not use it for 24 hours. Pour
boiling water on the K-cup holder and then brew a kosher for Pesach K-cup.

The Refrigerator
The refrigerator should be defrosted, the shelves, the walls and the entire freezer compartment washed and scrubbed. Some cover
the shelves of the refrigerator and the floor of the freezer with material before Pesach foods are entered. Be sure that the material
has holes in it that allows the free flow of air necessary for the efficient use of your refrigerator.
 Counter Tops
Standard counter tops should be kashered by pouring boiling water all over the counters, beginning
from the counter top closest to the wall and moving toward the edges of the counter. Formica counter tops that
have cuts and abrasions on the formica should then be covered.

Dishes and Utensils

There is not to be even a trace of Chametz in our food during Passover, therefore painstaking attention must be
given to the use of pots, pans, dishes, and all kitchen utensils. It is preferable to have special dishes and utensils set aside exclusively for Passover and
stored carefully throughout the year. However, some Chametz utensils can be rendered fit for Passover use through procedures called “Kashering”.
The following types of dishes and utensils can NOT be “Kashered” for Passover use: Utensils which cannot be kashered
• Utensils made of porcelain, chinaware, pottery, all earthenware; those made of plastic; glass utensils which are ordinarily used for hot foods
and pyrex. If one has chinaware that has not been used in several years contact the Rabbi.
• Utensils containing parts that are glued together (e.g., a knife with a glued-on handle).
• Utensils, even metal or glass, with patches, cracks, dents or narrow openings (a sieve, or a bottle with a narrow neck, which cannot be properly
cleansed).

Glass Utensils
In which only cold Chametz was used can be kashered. However, it is strenuously suggested that glassware exclusively for Passover
be bought. If one must kasher glasses, it can be accomplished by placing them in water for three consecutive days and changing the
water every 24 hours. Sephardim may use glass utensils that were used for Chametz (whether cold or hot) by thoroughly cleaning
them.
Metal Utensils can be Kashered
If the metal utensil is one solid piece and not assembled or glued together - then one may remove (kasher) the forbidden substances,
Chametz, with heat as intense as that which prevailed when the Chametz food was absorbed. Metal utensils used for boiling or lesser
degrees of heat must be thoroughly cleaned and scraped thereafter and allowed to remain unused for 24 hours. Then each piece is to
be immersed in a large pot containing boiling water, and left in the seething water for a few minutes. If the pot in which the kashering
is done is very big, a few pieces of cutlery can be submerged at a time. The utensils should then be rinsed in cold water.
In order to kasher a pot, which can not fit into another pot, one must fill it completely with water and heat it until the water boils
quickly; while the water is boiling, a red-hot stone (heated to 212 degrees) is dropped into the pot so that the water overflows onto
the sides.
Utensils which came in contact with Chametz over a fire or electric element and did not contain water - such as a broiler, a baking or
a frying pan - can be kashered only by heating the object until it is red-hot and glowing. One of the ways this can be done is with a
blowtorch. The volume of water must be 60 times the amount the cutlery can possibly absorb.

V. PETS & PESACH

Cats & Dogs
On Pesach we are forbidden to receive any pleasure from Chametz. This includes feeding it to our pets. Most commercial pet food
contains actual Chametz and therefore, may not be used on Pesach. Therefore, all ingredients must be read to insure that the product
does not contain wheat, oats, grain, and “by products”.

The following dog/cat foods have brands that do not have the above prohibited ingredients: Hills Science Diet, Friskies, Alpo, Mighty
Dog and Iams. Check labels to insure the ingredients mentioned above are not listed. Pet food which consists of kitniyot (legumes)
can be used on Pesach. The Star-K online and CRCWeb.org are a good source to check for Passover cat and dog food. A more
expansive list will be available through the synagogue office closer to Pesach. If one cannot sustain his pet - on the above mentioned
suggestions, please speak to one of the Rabbis.

Fish: Fresh water fish can be sustained on small quantities of Matzoh meal, frozen shrimp, freeze dried worms, or Krill fish. (Please
confer with your local pet store owner)

Birds: Canary, millet, hemp, poppy, and sunflower seeds in their pure form, or mixtures of the above seeds in their pure form are
good for caged birds, and can be used all year round. DO NOT FEED BIRDS MATZOH or MATZOH MEAL.
VI. BEDIKAT CHAMETZ - SEARCH FOR THE CHAMETZ
On Tuesday night, April 7, as soon as night falls (after 8:16 PM), we search for the Chametz by the light of a candle. Before the search
we recite the following blessing:

Blessed are you, HASHEM, our God, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and has commanded us
concerning the removal of Chametz. With the candle lit, we carefully search every room and any area of
the house that may have Chametz in it. When the search is completed we recite the following:

Any Chametz or leaven that is in my possession which I have not seen, have not removed and do not
know about, should be annulled and become owner less, like dust of the earth. We then take all that was
found in the search and place it in a conspicuous spot to be burned the next morning. The search should also be conducted in places
of business, to be certain no Chametz remains. Chametz intended to be eaten Friday morning and should be carefully put aside.
People leaving their home before Thursday night should search for Chametz the night before their departure without reciting the
blessing.

VII. BIUR CHAMETZ - BURNING CHAMETZ

Due to the current situation, this year, there will be no public chometz burning as in
previous years. Please note the following procedures:

• If it is your custom, before searching for chometz on the night before Erev Pesach (Tuesday
night), put out 10 very small pieces of bread (which add up to the size of a kzayis) and search
for chometz as you would normally do.

• If you own a barbeque grill, on Wednesday morning - Erev Pesach, burn these 10 small pieces
on the grill and recite Kol Chamira (the statement nullifying ownership of any chometz). If you do not have a grill, do the
following: In a bag, carefully break up the small pieces of bread into tiny crumbs. Flush the crumbs, without the bag, down the
toilet. Dispose of the bag in the outside garbage can and then recite Kol Chamira. All of this should be completed before 12:07
pm.

• Before burning or flushing the crumbs, place all remaining chometz (that was not sold to a non-Jew) in your outside trash cans
and recite the following in front of anyone (even a relative and even on the phone): “I hereby declare that my garbage cans and
all of my chometz garbage are hefker (ownerless) and I relinquish all ownership thereof.” If possible, before making the above
statement, bring your garbage cans to the curb for pickup. If you cannot bring the cans to the curb on Erev Pesach (e.g. your
pickup day is Tuesday) you may bring them to the curb during Pesach at the regularly scheduled time (e.g. Monday night).
Either way, you may take the cans back from the curb and fill the hefker (ownerless) cans during Pesach. When doing so, do
NOT have intent to acquire them. Re-acquire the garbage cans after Pesach has ended.

• Other than the above burning of the 10 small pieces of bread in your barbeque grill, under no circumstances should anyone
make a private or public fire to burn chometz. Furthermore, other than the above, do not flush other bread or chometz down
the toilet.
 KOL CHAMIRA IS RECITED.
Chametz may be eaten until 10:52 am. The following is recited by 12:07 pm

Any Chametz or leaven that is in my possession, whether I have recognized it or not, whether I have seen it or not, whether I have
removed it or not, should be annulled and become owner less, like dust of the earth.

VIII. TA’ANIT BECHOROT - FAST OF THE FIRST BORN

When the Almighty slew the first-born of Egypt, He spared the first born children of Israel. Therefore, all first-born sons of Israel
fast on the day before Passover in gratitude to the Almighty.

It has, however, been a custom for many centuries that the fast day is broken by a Seudat Mitzvah, such as the meal at a Siyum, the
conclusion of the study of a book of the Talmud or Tractate Mishnah.

If one is not a first-born, but has a first-born son under 13, one should fast or partake in a Siyum.

Schedule of Zoom Siyumim – Zoom Link - https://zoom.us/j/459930163

Call in # - 646 558 8656, Meeting ID: 459 930 163
7:00am – Ian Silverman
8:00am - Stuart Silverman
9:00am – Rabbi Ben Sugerman
10:00am – Farley Weiss